Hana Awaka is a sparkling sake that is known for its refreshing and citrusy flavor profile. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed breakdown of the ingredients in Hana Awaka, while also sharing my personal experiences with this delightful beverage.
The main ingredient in Hana Awaka is carbonated water, which gives the sake its sparkling and effervescent nature. This addition adds a lively and bubbly sensation to the drink, making it perfect for those who enjoy a bit of fizz in their beverages.
Next, we have sake rice-based alcohol and water. Sake rice-based alcohol is made from the fermentation of rice and is a staple ingredient in traditional sake production. It provides the base for Hana Awaka and contributes to its smooth and clean taste. The water used in the production of Hana Awaka plays a crucial role in balancing the flavors and ensuring optimal fermentation.
Rice and rice koji are also essential ingredients in Hana Awaka. Rice is the primary ingredient in sake production, and specific varieties are selected for their starch content and ability to undergo fermentation. In the case of Hana Awaka, high-quality rice is used to achieve the desired flavor profile. Rice koji, on the other hand, is steamed rice that has been inoculated with a special mold called Aspergillus oryzae. This mold breaks down the starches in the rice into fermentable sugars, which are then converted into alcohol during the fermentation process. Rice koji is responsible for adding complexity and depth of flavor to Hana Awaka.
To enhance the taste and add a burst of citrusy flavors, Hana Awaka includes yuzu citrus juice. Yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit known for its tangy and aromatic qualities. The addition of yuzu juice in Hana Awaka brings a delightful zing to the sake, balancing out the sweetness and adding a refreshing twist.
Lastly, citric acid (E330) is included in Hana Awaka. Citric acid is a natural acid found in citrus fruits and is commonly used as a food additive to enhance flavors and act as a preservative. In Hana Awaka, citric acid helps to maintain the balance of acidity and sweetness, ensuring a harmonious and well-rounded taste.
The ingredients in Hana Awaka include carbonated water, sake rice-based alcohol, water, rice, rice koji, sugars, yuzu citrus juice, and citric acid (E330). This unique combination of ingredients creates a sparkling sake with a refreshing and citrusy flavor profile that is sure to delight your taste buds.